Install KDE In Ubuntu/Fedora/RHEL/CentOS/Open SUSE

People have a misconception about that Linux systems are only used for command-line interfaces and does not provide the rich desktop environment. This is true that Linux variants are popular due to its robust CLI interface. But keep in mind, Linux variants also provide excellent Graphical User Interface and rich desktop environment much like MAC and Windows platforms. However, the default desktop environment for most of the Linux distro is GNOME that provides basic desktop features. If you are Linux lover and also want to use a best looking Desktop environment, you may consider using KDE desktop environment.

In this tutorial, we will explain how to install KDE on various Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, RHEL, CentOS, and Open SUSE.

Install KDE in Ubuntu 16.04/16.10/17.04

To install KDE on the latest versions of Ubuntu such as Ubuntu 17.04, you have to follow the below instructions.

Add the KDE repository to download KDE packages using the following command.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kubuntu-ppa/backports

After adding the KDE repository, update the existing system packages. For this, use the following command.

sudo apt update -y

The following figure shows how to install KDE Desktop Environment in Ubuntu

Once your system is updated, use the following command to install KDE in Ubuntu.

sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop -y

You will be asked to configure sddm, select OK and then select lightdm as Default display manager as shown in the following figure.

Once the KDE installation is done, reboot the system to take effect. On the login screen, select KDE Plasma as a desktop environment and login to the system. Now your Ubuntu system has the KDE desktop environment.

Now, let’s see how to install KDE on other Linux distributions.

1. Install KDE in Fedora 24, 25

If you are working with the latest Fedora version, use the following command to install KDE plasma on the Fedora system.

sudo dnf install @kde-desktop

2. Install KDE in Debian Linux

If you are interested in installing KDE desktop environment on a Debian Linux distro, using the following command.

sudo tasksel install kde-desktop

3. Install KDE in Open SUSE Linux

In order to install KDE on the Open SUSE Linux distro, you have to use the following command.

sudo zipper in –t pattern kde kde_plasma

4. Install KDE in RHEL/CentOS Linux

If you are working with the Red Hat based distributions such as RHEL 7 and CentOS 7, use the following command.

yum groupinstall “KDE Plasma Workspaces”

Here, you have learned how to install KDE on Linux systems, you may also like the following articles.